My three-year-old son, K, has only two more days of preschool before his summer vacation starts. I admit, I am not entirely thrilled with the prospect of having two kids home 24/7 for weeks upon weeks. It’s hard to know how easy it is to have one child, until you have two children. And it’s not just that I have two children, I have two children that pick at each other incessantly all day long.
Taking care of one child, especially a child like 19-month-old Em, is almost a cake walk. Today, while K was in school, Em and I quietly played with remote controlled car that would normally not be shared easily.
We “cooked some food” in the toy kitchen.
Then, we discussed if Em should be allowed to climb on-top of the toy kitchen.
And finally we read a book.
It was a quiet couple of hours – even when it wasn’t that quiet – especially compared to the noise that is happening right now as I write this. As the Grinch would say: “Oh, the Noise! The Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!”
This may be a long summer.
It’s Wednesday of Few Words time. If you have a Wordless/Word-full Wednesday post please link up below.
Kimberly (2)
Laura (2)
Mrs.Mayhem (2)
Nicole (2)
Salt (2)
2 much testosterone (1)
@PamelaMKramer - ... (1)
alicia (1)
Amy @ babybabylemon (1)
And Miles To Go... (1)
What a doll! I feel your pain. Sort of. My kids have been home on summer break for 3 weeks now. The only thing is I have four kids. That’s twice the chaos that you’ll be drowning in soon. I’ll tell you what. We’ll pray for eachother! lol
Come on over and link up when you get a chance. Happy WW!
Kristi, Live and Love…Out Loud
@TweetingMama
Kristi {at} Live and Love…Out Loud´s last blog ..“OH NO HE DIDN’T!” Tuesday: “Take It Like A Good Wife”
Your kids have a really long summer break then! Or do they return to school in August? Kids here go to school until the end of June.
I realized after I wrote this that people who have more kids than I do would think I was overstating. You’re right – 4 kids would probably be a lot more chaos than 2. Good luck!
–Marilyn
She is so adorable M!!! I’m hoping to keep Mckenna fairly busy at times during the day with swimming and beach time etc..
Michelle´s last blog ..McKenna Always Willing To Have Pictures
I signed K up for swimming but wasn’t able to find too many other set activities that worked for us. I’m going to do a second look though. Summer seems very long.
–Marilyn
I have less then two weeks for having mine full time, but at least I’ll be able to take a breath because June is so frantic with school assemblies, recognition dinners, end of the school field trips, overnight trips, parties, sport activities wind-ups……the list goes on and on.
Bibi´s last blog ..Almost Wordless Wednesday – The Big Walk
I’ve talked to parents of school-aged kids and June does seem kind of nutso with all the end of year activities they cram in. Good luck!
–Marilyn
Em is such a cutie! I know what you mean….I feel like that on weekends sometimes when I have Evan all by myself. I know that sounds weird but I’m used to being at work all day so being alone with my 3 yr old & totally in charge of him being entertained is a daunting task!
Merry120´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Forgotten May Long Weekend Camping Photo
There are very brief moments when the kids entertain themselves and those are lovely moments. Then one or the other starts to torment the other kid and it all gets very loud again.
–Marilyn
Great pictures, she is so cute! I know exactly how your feeling. Its so much easier with just one… My neighbor were just talking about it today, her 2nd child is on the way and she was asking me if it gets easier with two once they can walk…. Um NO.
Mrs. Marine´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Big Helper
LOL. I suppose with two walking around it would be easier if they were always walking in the same direction…which of course never happens.
–Marilyn
Ah yes, I too spend my days alone with one very adorable, & quiet, wee girl…that all comes to a crashing halt in less than 2wks when the OTHER 3 are off for the summer….sigh! Happy WW!!
Tracy (AKA The Mayor!)´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Father’s Day Edition!
I suppose I can’t really complain when you have four kids and I only have two, although I sometimes think my one son may be as loud as three. Though I’d probably be surprised wouldn’t I?
–Marilyn
Thanks for stopping by and linking up! She is a cutey pie love the header with her in it too!
CJ´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday New Shoes
Thanks!
–Marilyn
I only have one and find it frightening, probably ecuase it’s me she has to bicker with all day! I wish I had one that would play nicely …
Ooops, probably shouldn’t beat her at dinosaur snap if I want her to play nice!
Happy WW and thanks for stopping by!
amandab´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Dancing Princess
When the kids play nicely together, I do think it’s easier to have two. And then they start fighting and I think again. Can’t have it all.
–Marilyn
Aww she’s super adorable! Her pictures really put a smile on my face
Thanks. I think she’s a sweetheart.
–Marilyn
Oh, dear, you’re making me scared to have another. Then again, to have a second as sweet as Em might be a risk worth taking!
Feel free to link up over my way as well.
Lauren @ Hobo Mama´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Chocolate beard
Sometimes having two is easier when they play together. Those are the moments that make my mama heart swell. And then one of them steals the other kids toy and it all becomes very loud.
–marilyn
The post is very beautiful. I really enjoy your blog.The child photo is good and cute.What a beautiful child you know,the blog is great.
janet´s last blog ..After the Earthquake, Chile’s Wineries are Open
Thank you.
–Marilyn
What a sweet little girl! Her outfit is so cute too. The first photo is especially darling.
I know what you mean – Friday is the last day for my four. They’re older, so they expect to go on outings everyday (even if it is just the pool). I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
Mrs.Mayhem´s last blog ..Unconfined Joy
The first photo is my favourite. I was very disappointed that it was directly in front of a window so the light is all messed up.
K certainly thinks outings are better than being at home. He gets pretty wired if we don’t go out every couple of days. I see a lot of visits to the park in my future.
–Marilyn
What a fun time….
Auntie E´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Recycling…
She is just too cute! Summer vacation started about a week ago here. I am so happy to have my babies home again.
I know what you mean though. It can be a bit wild a times, but I love every minute.
Run DMT´s last blog ..Days of Summer
I guess the difference is that my son isn’t ever really away from me for that long because preschool is only a few days a week for 2.5 hours. That away time is quite calming for all of us. I think I’ll feel much different once the kids are away from me all day long in school. Have a great summer break!
–Marilyn
My daughter used to climb on her kitchen plaything too. Then she went up into trees when she got older. Once a climber I guess.
sheila´s last blog ..Lazy Tree Trimmers
–Marilyn
My son finished up preschool last week! He is sad to not be going, but I must admit, it is nice to have him home and to be able to go out and do things before baby #2 is born.
Felicia´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Fun in the Sun!
My son is not at all happy to have his school ending. He loves it.
I think it’s a nice idea to spend some quality time with your son before the baby arrives. I know the arrival of Em was quite a transition for both my son and myself.
–Marilyn
Oh she is so beautiful. An absolute Angel. Good luck with summer.
Thank you!
–Marilyn
Since I work I’ll only have to deal with both of them all day on the weekends and occasional Friday…could not imagine having to deal with 2 kids 24/7. I don’t know how my MIL does it!
Carrie´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: The next generation of Cirque du Soleil
I wonder if your MIL feels as batty as I do on some days or is it better when it’s your grandkids…I guess I’ll have to wait a couple of decades to find out.
–Marilyn
What a cutie!!
I could not agree more about summer vacation. My son’s last full day is Friday and next week he goes Mon-Fri 1/2 days. Then the NOISE begins.
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday – Smores
It’s the noise that I find so overwhelming sometimes. I think I’m getting extra sensitive in my “old age”.
–Marilyn
LOL, I hear ya! I am feeling old now that I shhhh them all the time.
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations´s last blog ..You Capture – Water
Good luck! I only have one child that I am with 24/7 so I would not know your pain, but I wish you a lot of patience and willpower to live through it!
Sarah ♥´s last blog ..New Layout
Thank you. I’ll need the extra patience you sent me!
–Marilyn
I wonder if her dress comes in my size, so great!
2 much testosterone´s last blog ..Wordless {Wordful} Wednesday – - Beer {Adult Beverage} of the Week
It is a cute dress isn’t it? I have my mom to thank. She’s always supplying her only granddaughter with great clothes.
–Marilyn
Cute pics, but I feel your pain. Summer break- I’m goin nuts with all the rain days. Happy WW! Thanks for linkin up.
alicia´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Victory
Rainy days shouldn’t be allowed in the summer. The kids go completely ape if they have to be in the house for too long…and I go ape right along with them. Sun only please.
–Marilyn
It’s going to be a long summer. Having just 1 kid around seems so much easier, doesn’t it? And it’s a great way to remember just how great the kid you’re spending time with actually is.
C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..Beware
Taking care of one kid really does seem easier than taking care of 2 (or 3 in your case).
I should try to remember how great both of my kids are more. It’s just difficult when they’re yelling all the time.
–Marilyn
OH, I know what you are feeling. I went through the same torn feelings when my 2 were that age. On one hand, I really liked having them home with me and the time to do whatever we wanted. On the other, the bickering, fighting, and general craziness of being home together got old FAST. Then I couldn’t wait until they were in 1st grade (all day, kindergarten here is still half day) and then I realized how quiet the house was with them gone all day. Enjoy the noise! Find some fun, new things to explore with kids around your area. There is always something.
It’s a tricky thing isn’t it? You want to be with your kids but they drive you nuts too. I will try to enjoy the noise.
–Marilyn
She is so cute! Sounds like my kind of fun day.
I hope that summer break isn’t too rough on you. There are a lot of kids in my family, so I can sort of relate.
She is cute – even if I say it myself. Summer will be interesting. I’m currently looking for more activities to take up our time.
–Marilyn
I know what you’re saying, I felt the same exact way when my kids were younger. My solution is to come up with a PLAN. I wrote a list of all the fun and interesting things to do in the summer and then scheduled them in my agenda. Because I’m such a fun and spontaneous person, apparently. You know what also helps? Getting a babysitter once in a while, for a morning. Kids have fun and you can recapture some sanity.
Nicole´s last blog ..Sports, honesty, and mating…what are those dinos doing?
I so know how you feel. I have 6 kiddos here for the summer and the noise is almost unreal!
Love the link up! Also… SHE is adorable! Hang in there – you’ll get through this summer!
Heidi-D´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
Feeling lucky to only have one!!
Happy WW and Thanks for the Linky!
Everyday Kathy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Humble Gift
What a cutie she is! Sharing definitely can be hard!
Don’t you wish every moment could be as sweet and peaceful as the ones you spent with your daughter? I only have the one kid, but his Dad has the same effect on him as having other kids around- gets him all riled up & feisty – which is the last thing I need!
Pamela´s last blog ..Because Some Wackos are the People in My Neighborhood
Cute shots! Good luck having both kids at home this summer. I’m sure you will have a lot of fun. I have four kids and three of them are under five so there is never a dull moment around my house!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cascia @ Healthy Moms´s last blog ..Up your Beauty Routine with Ole Henrikson
I TOTALLY understand the difference between one and two (or three!) — and the sweetness of spending some quality one-on-one time, too. Luckily for me, Emma’s school is year round, which helps here a bit, woo hoo! Great pics, your Em is so sweet!
Kristin @ Intrepid Murmurings´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: We ♥ Tukwila Spray Park
The older they get the better it gets, but the time in between can be ROUGH. Hope there are moments of calm and quiet interspersed with the chaos. We need those little islands of sanity to pull us through the journey, I think.
Kimberly´s last blog ..Rainbows on the Table
Yes, one definitely does not realize how easy one is until there are two!! Those moments of calm are certainly worth cherishing!
Nicole´s last blog ..{Almost} Wordless Wednesday
So precious, reminds me of my own girls!!
Tammi
http://www.myorganizedchaos.net/2010/06/wordless-wednesday-i-enjoyed-the-view-cincinnat/
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday | I Enjoyed The View
We are in Round 7 of what is to surely be an 80 or 90 day knockdown dragout brawl between son and daughter. I’m right there with ya.
gigi´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday, 6/16: SPLASH!
She is so cute! Poor mom will have to be shared by both kiddos.. sigh… enjoy it , they grow way to fast! (psst: you are a Wednesday Wizard from last week! You can claim your badge! come take a peak & link up & try to figure out this weeks puzzler)
Faythe@GrammyMousetails´s last blog ..From Savory to Noxious
I know the feeling. My eldest has two classes left, then she’s out for the summer. That leaves me to entertain a 5yr old, a 2.5yr old and an 11month old baby until September when school starts up. I’m thinking a lot of our time will be spent at the spray park, and the aquarium. I may go insane
Thanks for visiting my blog!
I remember fighting with my sisters all the time, until my mother let me play with my friends so it was like I was at school. Of course this was ages ago, when going out to play was safe. Hope it works out for you
ConnieFoggles´s last undefined ..Response cached until Thu 17 @ 6:33 GMT (Refreshes in 0.84 Hours)
Oh i’m with you. starting at 6am I’m listening to battles and can’t wait for the older ones to go off to school. Starting today it’s a whole new world
Melinda´s last blog ..If Someone Gives You Something For Free Please Come Prepared
I wept this afternoon, as I picked up the oldest child from her final pre-school class, ever. TWO kids? Every day? All week long? Until September? This does not bode well for my mental health nor their longevity as productive people on planet Earth. Good luck with your summer kiddy gulag!
Your daughter is adorable!! It is going to be delightful to enter this stage of my life!
Hazel
Hazel´s last blog ..QUOTE OF THE DAY
Your lil girl is so beautiful…she looks like a child model
what a cutie patootie! I think age 2 is the cutest age and when they say the funniest sweetest things
bookjunkie´s last blog ..SMRT trains are not packed- according to it’s CEO via Want some tau huay